LA Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 8:05PM ET
There was little satisfaction in that victory for Cleveland, as their starters rested the entire 4th quarter in preparation for tonight’s battle against an upper-echelon Western Conference rival.

Betting Analysis
Against the 2 best teams in the West, San Antonio and Golden St., Cleveland has taken a 0-3 SU collar this year. It began with an (89-83) loss at Golden St. It was followed by a (99-95) loss at San Antonio and culminated Monday night with a most embarrassing (132-98) loss to the Warriors. It was the worst home loss ever for LeBron James. In my mind, this is clearly a statement game for Cleveland.

The Clippers enter on a 10-1 SU run, all without ailing star, Blake Griffin (quad). Though Griffin is traveling with the team for this road trip, he is not expected to play in this game. The Clippers have won 6 consecutive road games and stand 12-7 SU away. Three nights ago, they ended their home stand with a (140-132) victory. In the absence of Griffin, the league’s best 3 point shooter, J.J. Reddick, has stepped up. Reddick is averaging 20 PPG in the 10-1 SU stretch, making 59% of his triples. For the year, he is shooting 50% from outside the arc. Reddick scored 40 points in Monday’s 8 point OT victory against Houston, making 9/12 (3) pointers, as the Clippers knocked down 22 triples. That game was also important, as big man, DeAndre Jordan, returned after missing 2 games with pneumonia. He had a 15/16 night for his 9th straight double/double. PG Paul added 28 points and 12 assists. Clearly, the Clippers will be a major challenge for Cleveland.

It was little more than one year ago that the Cavs were floundering under .500 with James taking a 2 week rest for his ailing knees. A house-cleaning trade brought Cleveland’s roster intact, only injuries precluded them from giving Golden St. a better battle in the NBA Finals. For today’s match against the Clippers, PG Irving has rounded into form, after missing much of the first 2 months of the season. Kevin Love teams with Irving and James to give the Cavs their own big 3. All were present for the (132-98) embarrassmentMonday night.

Our Pick
The win last night at Brooklyn proved nothing for Cleveland. Coming off that previous home loss and now facing another member of the upper-echelon of the West is a necessary game for Cleveland to make a statement. Look for them to do so tonight in style, as they regain their mojo for a 2nd half surge. I invite you to put the NBA odds in your favor and join me in my NBA pick on the Cleveland Cavaliers.